This program, called PURE ( Pre- Undergraduate Research Experience), identifies high school students who are enrolled to begin classes at USD in the fall, and invites them to spend the prior summer conducting research in science laboratories on the USD campus.  These students are chosen from neighborhoods of varying ethnic compositions and from economically disadvantaged homes and are often the first in their families to attend college. Under the supervision of a science professor, they begin an in-depth paid summer internship. PURE students receive very close supervision and intense instruction, which helps students build confidence and directs their energy towards success.  In addition to valuable hands-on experience in the laboratory, the program instills confidence, establishes faculty and student mentors, minimizes the cyber divide, and promotes a sense of belonging in the USD community before the beginning of the first semester. The goal is to increase the number of under-represented minority students graduating with degrees and going on to attend graduate programs in the physical, natural, and health sciences.

The program is currently funded by a grant from the Ackerman Foundation, the USD Academic Excellence Fund, and a small gift from US Bank.

Contact Information:
Dr. Debbie Tahmassebi ( debbiet@sandiego.edu )
or Dr. Leigh Plesniak ( leigh@sandiego.edu )